REASONS FOR CONCERN IN NINE MONTH OLD INFANTS

It is not generally possible to tell if a young infant’s delay(s) will be of significance to later development. However, by noting these problems early and providing appropriate services the impact of delays may be minimized, skills may be enhanced, and the level of skills may be maintained.  It is important to remember that a child’s medical history can be critical in determining whether or not a further evaluation or referral for service will be necessary.  A particular delay in development may require a different response depending on the infant’s previous medical and developmental course.  For children who have no history of health problems, a "wait and see" approach may be appropriate for some delays.  However, developmental delays in a high-risk infant generally warrant more immediate attention.

If you notice any of the behaviors listed below speak to your child’s primary care provider about your concerns.  Your child’s primary care provider can help decide if your baby needs an evaluation by a pediatric audiologist, pediatric ophthalmologist, developmental psychologist, physical/occupational/speech therapists, or other specialists.

It may be of concern if by nine months corrected age an infant:

• cannot sit independently.
  
  
• cannot bear weight on her feet when supported in a standing position.  She frequently collapses at the knees or holds her feet up so they do not touch the floor.
  
  
• stands up on her toes like a ballerina when supported in a standing position and cannot bring her heels down to the floor.
  
  
• does not turn to locate the source of a sound and/or does not react to a sudden loud noise.
  
  
• does not vocalize and has not begun holding "conversations," taking turns vocalizing with another person.
  
  
• still rakes small objects into the hands with the whole fist.
  
  
• cannot consistently reach out and pick up a toy on the first try.
  
  
• has made no improvement towards straightening strabismus (crossed eyes) or has strabismus but is not being followed by a Pediatric Ophthalmologist.
  
  
• moves herself across the floor on her belly, pulling herself forward with the strength of her arms, rather than crawling up on hands and knees.
  
  
• has recently begun or increased gagging or choking with bottle or breast feeding.